Bengals score early and often in win over Cougars

The Diman Bengals banged out 15 hits and scored 11 runs in the second inning en route to a mercy rule-shortened 25-0 softball victory over visiting Bishop Connolly on Tuesday

Mike ThomasHerald News Sports Editor

The Diman Bengals banged out 15 hits and scored 11 runs in the second inning en route to a mercy rule-shortened 25-0 softball victory over visiting Bishop Connolly on Tuesday.

Michaela Marum, batting leadoff, finished with three hits and drove in five runs for the Bengals, who also capitalized on 16 walks.

“She hasn’t been our leadoff hitter,” said Diman coach Cathie Noversa, whose team improved to 3-4. “She got a few hits her last game and she’s pretty quick on the bases, so I thought it might be a nice place in the order for her. I was very pleased with her today.”

Diman batted around the order in the first three innings and grabbed a 6-0 lead after the first – more than enough for Bengal pitcher Hailey Levesque.

Kat Rachel highlighted the first inning with a two-run single to center.

Levesque went three innings and left with a 23-0 lead. She surrendered two hits and struck out five. She was releived by freshman Stephanie Perron, who allowed three hits in two scoreless innings of work.

“She’s pitched a couple of innings here and there,” said Noversa of Perron. “I was happy with the way she pitched. She’s still trying to get comfortable out there, but she did a nice job for us today.

“Hailey threw strikes today and (catcher) Becca (Flores) called a good game. Hailey was in command today.”

The first 10 Diman batters reached base in the second inning that saw the Bengals send 16 to the plate.

Marum had a two-run single to left and Bianca Resendes added a two-run double to highlight the big inning. Levesque, Rachel and Perron also added run-scoring singles in the inning.

“We were very patient at the plate today,” Noversa said. “We hit some nice line drives.”

Bishop Connolly, still seeking its first victory, finished with five hits. Jess Fournier led the way with two infield singles and a double.